FFA eyes global penetration with new deal

FFA has signed a deal with global sports promoters IMG to market the A-League overseas.

Football Federation Australia hopes global exposure of the A-League will increase under a new international media rights deal with management giants IMG.

The six-year deal allows IMG to take the Australian domestic competition - and selected Socceroos matches - to overseas markets and will replace an agreement with Lagardere Sports.

It's another piece in the puzzle of the code's coverage, which includes Fox Sports and the Ten Network domestically.

The A-League was shown in 125 territories last year, according to the FFA, which has set it sights on boosting viewership in China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, the United States and United Kingdom.

IMG, best known as a fashion model representative agency, has previously struck deals to help expand coverage of the NFL, Bundesliga, Eredivisie, America's Cup, UEFA tournaments and e-sports events into new markets.

The company owns Sport 24, an in-flight and cruise channel broadcasting 24-hour sports.

The W-League, FFA Cup and selected Matildas' matches also come under FFA's deal with IMG.

Earlier this month, Fox Sports announced an arrangement with the FFA to live simulcast its coverage of Saturday night A-League matches - and all finals matches - on Ten's One channel from next season.